The 5 Best Champagne Houses in Epernay for First-Timers (2026)

Welcome to the heart of Champagne! I’m Sarah, your guide to Epernay’s finest. As a Champagne enthusiast and a local expert, I’ve explored the charming vineyards and prestigious houses that make this region a haven for bubbly lovers. If you’re a first-time visitor, you’re in for an extraordinary journey. In this guide, I’ll take you through the ‘Best Champagne Houses to visit in Epernay’, where each tasting is a celebration of luxury, tradition, and the art of Champagne making.

Are you pondering questions like ‘Can you visit Champagne houses in Epernay?‘ or ‘Can you walk in?‘ Maybe you’re curious about ‘Which Champagne cellars to visit?‘ or wondering ‘Where can you taste Champagne in Epernay?‘ and ‘Do you need to book Champagne houses in Epernay?‘ Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! In the following sections, I’ll answer all these questions and more, ensuring you have all the information you need for an unforgettable Champagne experience. Let’s embark on this sparkling journey together!

And if you’ve got an extra afternoon during your stay, don’t miss Hautvillers — the birthplace of Champagne and home to Dom Pérignon’s abbey, just a short drive from Epernay.

Boizel Champagne House in Epernay

In my opinion, Boizel Champagne House stands as one of the most beautiful and best Champagne houses in Epernay, located right in the heart of the Avenue de Champagne. This family-run establishment, dating back to 1834, welcomes you into six generations of winemaking history. The tours, personalized and conducted in small groups, make for a truly superb experience.

During your visit, you’ll marvel at the oak barrels and stunning stainless steel vats, wander through beautiful cellars, and see a unique collection of Champagnes. And the best part? You can enjoy all this without feeling rushed, thanks to the possibility of parking in the courtyard and relaxing on the outdoor terrace in summer.

Whether you’re exploring Epernay for the first time or returning to savor its delights, Boizel offers an experience that perfectly captures the essence of Champagne’s allure. Prepare to be enchanted by the blend of history, culture, and the finest Champagnes at Boizel.

Mercier Champagne House in Epernay

If there’s one Champagne house built with first-timers in mind, it’s Mercier. Located right on the Avenue de Champagne, the visit kicks off with a short introductory video, before you step into a glass elevator that takes you 30 metres underground into a section of Mercier’s 18 kilometres of cellars, built in 1871. Once you’re down there, there’s a beautifully done video animation along the way — genuinely one of the most memorable moments of the tour. Travelling with kids or shorter visitors? Make sure they get right up close and go as far in as they can — it’s absolutely worth it.

Even before you go underground, there’s something worth seeing for free: right in the entrance, Mercier displays its famous giant foudre — a foudre being a giant oak cask, far bigger than a standard barrel, traditionally used to age or store large volumes of wine. This particular one was built for the 1889 Paris World’s Fair (Exposition Universelle) — the same year as the Eiffel Tower — with a capacity of around 1,600 hectolitres, roughly the equivalent of 200,000 bottles. It’s a genuinely impressive sight, and you don’t need to book a tour to see it — just pop into the entrance and take a look, completely free.

The standard visit is self-guided with a multilingual audio guide, so you go at your own pace — ideal for a relaxed first Champagne house experience. Back on the surface, you’ll round things off with a glass of Mercier champagne.

Moët & Chandon Champagne House in Epernay

Moët & Chandon, arguably the most renowned Champagne house in the world, is a cornerstone of Epernay’s celebrated Avenue de Champagne. Known for its luxurious ambiance and exquisite Champagnes, this house is a must-visit destination, especially for first-time visitors to Epernay.

At Moët & Chandon, you have the opportunity to embark on a tour that showcases the intricacies of Champagne making, followed by a tasting session where you can savor their exceptional range. Each tour varies in price depending on the tasting experience chosen.

Even if you’re short on time or budget, it’s worth stopping by anyway: right in the courtyard at the entrance, there’s a statue of Dom Pérignon — completely free and open to everyone, no ticket, no booking, no obligation to do the paid tour. It’s a lovely, easy spot for a selfie or a group photo on your way to your next Champagne house.

Alfred Gratien House in Epernay

Located just a brief walk from the Avenue de Champagne, Champagne Alfred Gratien stands out as a remarkable destination among the best Champagne houses in Epernay. This lesser-known gem is celebrated for its small-scale charm and a longstanding tradition of exceptional cellar mastery, making it an ideal stop for first-time visitors to the Champagne region.

Discover the allure of Alfred Gratien, where 1,000 oak barrels await, each playing a crucial role in crafting their unique and exquisite Champagnes. The commitment to limited group tours, typically accommodating 8 to 10 guests, promises a highly personalized and intimate Epernay Champagne tasting experience.

Alfred Gratien provides an intimate and enriching journey into Champagne, making it a top choice for newcomers and connoisseurs alike. It’s a perfect example of why Epernay is renowned for having some of the best Champagne houses to visit.

Jaqcuinot & Fils Champagne House in Epernay

Champagne Jacquinot et Fils in Epernay Nestled atop the picturesque heights of Epernay, Champagne Jacquinot et Fils represents the quintessence of an intimate Champagne experience. This family-owned house is unique in being the only “small” Champagne house in Epernay. If you’re limited on time and want to strike the perfect balance between visiting a large Champagne house and a smaller independent grower, Champagne Jacquinot et Fils is a must-add to your itinerary.

Located just a stone’s throw away from the Avenue de Champagne, this charming establishment offers an accessible and delightful visit. The tour is affordably priced, and the tasting in their cozy space is a wonderfully enjoyable experience.

Jacquinot & Fils stands out as one of the best Champagne houses to visit in Epernay, offering the ideal experience for those looking to explore a family-owned estate right in the heart of Epernay.

Champagne Jacquinot et Fils wonderfully captures the spirit of Epernay—balancing the grandeur of larger houses with an intimate and personal touch.

Combine best Champagne Houses visits in Epernay and vineyard tours

For those looking to enhance their Champagne experience, combining a visit to the cellars with a tour of the vineyards is an excellent option. Here are some highly recommended tours departing from Epernay:

1. Champagne Small-Group Tour with Tastings and Lunch from Epernay: This is my top recommendation—not to be missed! Known for having some of the best guides in the region, this half-day tour offers a fantastic opportunity. You can independently book a morning visit to a large Champagne house in Epernay, such as one on the Avenue de Champagne, and then join this tour starting at noon. It includes a Champenois lunch, a cellar tour, and a tasting initiation. Unbeatable and highly recommended!
   
2. From Epernay Full Day Electric Bike Champagne and Lunch: This option blends activity with exploration. Instead of a minivan, you will journey on electric bikes, which is truly worthwhile. With various stops and insights into the vineyard and winemaking process, cycling through the Champagne vineyards is unparalleled. The tour includes a Champenois lunch and a tasting initiation. A perfect choice—don’t miss out!
   
3. Champagne Privé Moet & Chandon, Vignobles, Caves, 7 Tastings: This tour is a must for visitors—it combines a visit to a grand Champagne house, an independent winemaker, and an exceptional museum in Champagne, along with a vineyard visit. It’s a comprehensive and enriching experience.
   
4. Half Day Champagne Tour in a Vintage Van: Offering a half-day excursion in a beautifully restored vintage van, this tour has been delighting visitors since 2017 with panoramic views, a cellar visit, and tastings—perfect for a day in Epernay.
   
5. Epernay and Vineyards with Champagne Tasting: Perfect for larger groups, this tour offers a scenic ride through the vineyards on a double-decker bus. While there is no cellar visit included, the journey features various stops and breathtaking views. The vantage point from the bus is unbeatable.

These tours provide diverse and enriching experiences, allowing you to appreciate both the winemaking craft and the natural beauty of the best Champagne houses in Epernay.

And if you want to make the most of your Champagne house visits and enjoy every tasting,
discover our essential tips for visiting the best Champagne houses here.

FAQs for first-time visitors to Epernay

Which Champagne house in Epernay is the best to visit?

Honestly, it depends on what you’re after — there’s no single “best,” but here’s how I’d break it down: if you want the iconic, globally-known name, go for Moët & Chandon. If you’re travelling with kids or want something fun and easy, Mercier‘s glass elevator and video animation are hard to beat. And if you’d rather have a warm, personal, family-run experience, Boizel or Jacquinot & Fils are your best bets. Pick based on the vibe you want, not just the name.

What are the top 5 Champagne houses in Epernay for first-timers?

For a first visit, I’d recommend Boizel, Moët & Chandon, Alfred Gratien, Jacquinot & Fils, and Mercier — you’ll find all five covered in detail above, from the most famous name in Champagne to smaller, family-run gems.

Can you walk into Champagne houses in Epernay without booking?

Sometimes, yes — a few houses like Boizel and Moët & Chandon offer walk-in tastings. Most tours, though, need to be booked in advance, especially in high season when spots fill up fast. When in doubt, book online — it only takes a couple of minutes.

Which is nicer, Reims or Epernay, for visiting Champagne houses?

They’re different experiences rather than one being “nicer.” Epernay is smaller, easily walkable, and home to the famous Avenue de Champagne — perfect if you want to visit several houses on foot in one day. Reims is a bigger city with its own cellars and a stunning cathedral, worth a detour if you have more time.

How do I get to Epernay from Paris?

• Epernay is accessible by train or car. The train from Paris takes about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive, which takes roughly 1.5 to 2 hours depending on traffic.

• Have a look at my Champagne region stay guide.

Do I need to book tours in advance at Champagne houses in Epernay?

• It’s highly recommended to book tours in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons, as many of the best Champagne houses in Epernay can fill up quickly.
• Book with Rue des Vignerons, Winalist or Viator. These platforms allow you to easily book Champagne cellar tours, vineyard experiences, and tastings by selecting your preferred date, time, and language—ensuring your spot is reserved in just a few clicks.

What should I wear when visiting Champagne cellars?

• Dress warmly as the cellars are typically kept at a cool temperature, around 10-12 degrees Celsius. Comfortable shoes are also advised for walking on uneven surfaces.

Are there any Champagne houses that offer English-speaking tours?

• Yes, many Champagne houses provide tours in English to accommodate international visitors. It’s best to check and confirm this when making reservations.

Is it possible to do tastings only at some Champagne houses?

• Yes, some Champagne houses offer tastings without a full tour. However, this is not available everywhere, so it’s advisable to check in advance.

Are the Champagne houses in Epernay close to the train station?

• Yes, several Champagne houses are quite close to the Epernay train station, making it convenient for travelers arriving by train. The train station is just a 5-minute walk from the Avenue de Champagne, where many renowned Champagne houses are located.

Can I walk between Champagne houses in Epernay, or do I need transportation?

• Many of the Champagne houses along the Avenue de Champagne are within walking distance of each other, allowing you to explore on foot easily.

Are there any Champagne houses suitable for families with children?

• While children are welcome at many Champagne houses, the tour content primarily focuses on adults. However, some houses have begun offering family-friendly amenities such as coloring books or small activities for children, though this is not yet common. A particularly child-friendly option is Champagne Mercier, where the tour takes place on a small train that travels through the cellars—perfect for keeping kids engaged and entertained.

What is the average cost of a Champagne house tour and tasting in Epernay?

• The cost can vary, but you can expect to pay anywhere from €20 to €50 for a standard tour and tasting. Specialized or premium tastings may cost more.

Are the tours different from one Champagne house to another?

• Yes, each Champagne house offers a unique tour experience, with distinct features such as varying cellar designs and individual stories shaped by the history of the house or family. While the process of making Champagne is generally similar across the region, the narrative and ambiance of each tour are particular to the Champagne house. After an initial cellar tour, I recommend focusing on guided tastings, which can be especially interesting. However, I must admit, I’m quite biased because I love visiting each and every Champagne cellar in the region!

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As we wrap up our exploration of Epernay’s most exceptional Champagne houses, I’m reminded of the unique charm and rich history each one holds. From the iconic elegance of Moët & Chandon to the playful charm of Mercier‘s little train, these houses showcase the diverse and rich heritage of the Champagne region. For me, every visit is a new adventure, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned Champagne lover. Epernay always has something new and exciting to offer.

Cheers to your adventures in Epernay!